Whiskered Auklet vs Ancient Murrelet
Aethia pygmaea compared with Synthliboramphus antiquus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Whiskered Auklet | Ancient Murrelet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aethia pygmaea | Synthliboramphus antiquus |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae | Alcidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 22.4 cm (8.8 in) | 27.1 cm (10.7 in) |
| Weight | 119.83333333333333 g (4.23 oz) | 208.16666666666666 g (7.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Whiskered Auklet
Least Concern
Ancient Murrelet
About These Birds
Whiskered Auklet
Whiskered Auklet, 18–22 cm, breeds on the Aleutian and Kuril Islands in colonies in crevices. Three white facial plumes give the 'whiskered' appearance; forward-curving black crest. Smallest crested auklet. Planktivore; forages in fast tidal currents feeding on euphausiids. Year-round resident near breeding islands.
Ancient Murrelet
Ancient Murrelet, 24–27 cm, breeds in burrows on North Pacific islands from British Columbia to Japan. Black hood, grey back, white underparts with yellow bill. Nocturnal at colonies to avoid predators. Chicks lead-march to sea within days of hatching — abandoning the nest very early. Planktivore and piscivore.